New Delhi: In a move to lessen the backlog of cases, Supreme Court on Monday decided to have two separate courts to deal with old criminal cases and tax related disputes.

"The Hon'ble Chief Justice of India has decided to set up two courts to deal with old criminal matters and tax-related cases separately. They will be operational from March 9," MK Hanjura, Registrar of the Supreme Court, told reporters here.

He said presently, there are 11,137 and 10,843 criminal cases and tax matters respectively pending with the apex court and this step would ensure their speedy disposal.
"These courts will become operational after Holi break," he said.

A health clinic for lawyers, litigants and others would also come into being soon as the Delhi government has agreed to provide the infrastructure for it, he said.

The registrar said there was also a "good news" for net-users as the apex court would provide free wi-fi connectivity to all, including lawyers, litigants and journalists who visit the apex court premises.